asked the Minister for Agriculture the basic weekly rate of pay for labourers and general operatives at (a) Abbotstown and (b) Botanic Gardens from 31 March 1969 to date indicating in each case the dates of change, the pay increase and the adjusted rates after change.

397.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the basic weekly wages of labourers or general operatives at (a) Abbotstown and (b) Botanic Gardens, Dublin, from 31 March 1969 to date indicating (i) the dates of change, (ii) the pay increase and (iii) the adjusted rates.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 397 together. Following is the information requested:

Notes:

1. Following an agreement reached at the Joint Industrial Council for State Industrial Employees on the implementation of Labour Court Recommendation No. 5212 the following revised rates of pay for General Operatives have recently been sanctioned and arrears due will be paid at an early date:

Payment of Service pay to general operatives has been discontinued with effect from 31 March 1979.

2. Service Pay has been increased for farm labourers from £0.25, £0.50, £0.75 and £1 weekly to £0.50, £1.00, £1.50 and £2 weekly after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years respectively with effect from 1 January 1979.